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Interface facility for signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external deviceRelated Patent Categories: Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems And Devices, Hearing Aids, ElectricalInterface facility for signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060280324, Interface facility for signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority of German application No. 102005020322.1 filed May 2, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to an interface facility for signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device, comprising a first signal transmission facility arranged on or in the hearing aid device and a second signal transmission facility which can be connected in a mechanically detachable manner to the hearing aid device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Various signal transmission types are known for the purpose of signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device. By way of example, hearing aid devices frequently comprise a programming socket, by means of which the hearing aid device can be connected to a programming device via a cable and a plug connector connected thereto. [0004] An audio shoe for connection to a hearing aid device is known from DE 298 19 993 U1, by means of which audio signals emitted by an audio device can be transmitted to the hearing aid device via a cable. Both the hearing aid device and also the audio shoe feature electrical contacts for signal transmission between the audio shoe and the hearing aid device. [0005] Besides a cable link between a hearing aid device and an external device, a wireless signal transmission between the devices is also known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,432 describes a programming device with a transmitting device and a hearing aid device with a receiving device for wireless signal transmission between the programming device and the hearing aid device. The wireless signal is transmitted here by ultrasound signals, infrared signals or electromagnetic signals. Distances ranging from a few meters up to a few hundred meters can be bridged wirelessly. [0006] WO 01/39569 A2 discloses a method for signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device, in which a cable in a magnetic holder connected to the device discharges in order to fasten magnetically to the hearing aid device. The signal transmission between the magnetic holder and the hearing aid device is undertaken in an inductive or capacitative manner. [0007] Technically speaking, the known methods for wireless signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device are relatively costly, error-prone and significantly limited in terms of the achievable data transmission rates. [0008] A cable link with electrical contacts on the interface between the hearing aid device and the cable is disadvantageous in that the manual attachment of a plug connector, in the form of an audio shoe for instance, to the electrical contacts of the hearing aid device is often difficult, whereby older people in particular have difficulties as a result of restricted tactile sensory analysis and reduced manual capabilities. Furthermore, electrical contacts tend to become corroded and/or contaminated, thereby rendering the link unreliable. This can cause interference to occur during audio transmission. [0009] Hearing aid spectacles with a first and a second hearing aid device for the binaural coverage of a user is known from DE 197 04 119 C1, in which signals are transmitted optically from the first hearing aid device to the second hearing aid device via the bridge of the spectacles. [0010] A hearing aid device with an audio and/or programming terminal is known from DE 298 19 993 U1. The signals are transmitted between the hearing aid device and the audio and/or programming terminal by means of mechanical contacts. [0011] DE 38 34 962 A1 discloses a programming device for a hearing aid which is equipped with a standard interface for linking with a personal computer or a printer. The interface contains optocouplers so that the safety conditions for medical devices can also be satisfied when conventional personal computers are connected. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] The object of the present invention is to create an interface for signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device, which is cost-effective and simple to operate and moreover allows relatively high data transmission rates. [0013] This object is achieved by an interface facility for signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device, comprising a first signal transmission facility arranged on or in the hearing aid device and a second signal transmission facility which can be connected in a mechanically detachable manner to the hearing aid device, with means for optical signal transmission being available between the first and the second signal transmission facility. [0014] The invention differs in that the signal transmission is carried out on the interface between the hearing aid device and the second signal transmission facility which can be fastened to the hearing aid device using optical means. The optical transmitting and receiving devices used for this purpose, in particular light-emitting diodes and receiving diodes, are not sensitive to external influences, cost-effective, easy to adjust and moreover stand out due to a low power feed required for the signal transmission. High signal transmission rates are thus achieved by there being a very short distance between the means for optical signal transmission when in use and by these means being additionally aligned optimally to one another. [0015] Both the signal transmission facility on the hearing aid device and also the second signal transmission facility which can be connected thereto can feature a smooth surface which is easy to look after. A secure signal transmission is generally also ensured if the first and the second signal transmission facility are not aligned exactly to one another. This facilitates the setting up of the link between the hearing aid device and the external device, particularly with older users. Furthermore, the optical signal transmission is, as far as possible, not sensitive to interference signals, for example electromagnetic interference signals which are emitted by mobile telephones and the like. [0016] The signals which can be transmitted by means of the invention can be control signals, data signals, audio signals etc. The signals can be present in analog or digital form. When low signal transmission rates are required, a serial signal transmission is generally adequate. When higher signal transmission rates are required, for transmitting digital audio signals for instance, the signal transmission is carried out by means of the interface facility, preferably in parallel form. For this purpose, the first and also the second signal transmission facility feature a number of transmitting and receiving devices arranged in parallel. [0017] The signal transmission between the hearing aid device and the external device is usually carried out starting from the external device to the hearing aid device. It is however entirely possible for the signal to be transmitted in the opposite direction. By way of example, data can be read out from the hearing aid device during the programming. In this case, transmitting and receiving devices are both to be provided with the first and the second signal transmission facility. [0018] With a particular embodiment of the invention, the second signal transmission facility comprises means for wireless signal transmission between the external device and the signal transmission facility. The second signal transmission facility is equipped with a Bluetooth transceiver for example. The signals transmitted wirelessly in this manner between the external device and the second signal transmission facility are then transferred according to the invention between the second signal transmission facility and the hearing aid device using optical means. A Bluetooth transceiver is thus not needed in the hearing aid device itself but only in the second signal transmission facility. This allows the hearing aid device to be designed more compactly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, in which; Continue reading about Interface facility for signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device... Full patent description for Interface facility for signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Interface facility for signal transmission between a hearing aid device and an external device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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